Good Food Belongs To Everyone.

A meal should do more than just fill a plate. In Easton, we are surrounded by abundance, yet food insecurity remains. River & Roots Collective was born to bridge that gap. We believe those facing scarcity deserve the dignity of a chef-inspired meal. Our mission is built on rescuing high-quality surplus ingredients and transforming them into the same quality dishes you'd find in top-tier kitchens. Bringing years of executive kitchen expertise to this mission, we ensure every meal is balanced, flavorful, and prepared with care. For us, cooking is an act of advocacy—using our craft to transform local ingredients into high-quality nourishment. Why River & Roots? The River represents the flow of resources and the movement connecting us all in the Lehigh Valley. The Roots represent our commitment to local soil and sustainability. By combining professional culinary standards with a grassroots heart, we nourish our neighbors while protecting our planet. Rooted in Easton, flowing with love.

Dakota Phillips is the visionary force and President of the River & Roots Collective. A seasoned executive chef and entrepreneur, Dakota’s career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence within the culinary arts. With over a decade of experience navigating high-pressure environments—ranging from technical pastry work and molecular gastronomy to large-scale restaurant management—he possesses a deep, firsthand understanding of the systemic challenges within the food industry. Dakota founded the organization to serve as a bridge, utilizing his expertise in culinary management to address food equity and community empowerment. As the executive driving the mission, he oversees strategic growth and daily operations with a "hands-on" philosophy. For Dakota, the Collective is the culmination of his life’s work: a marriage of professional mastery and social responsibility, dedicated to ensuring that the city’s culinary roots support a more prosperous future for everyone.

Matt Kaufman is the Co-Founder and Secretary of the River & Roots Collective, providing the operational discipline and social passion necessary to drive systemic change. He believes a community’s strength lies in sustainable, local initiatives that empower individuals. Matt is dedicated to the idea that the culinary world can be a vehicle for social equity when supported by a strong organizational structure. As Secretary, Matt serves as the organizational heart of the board, maintaining the structural integrity and administrative foundation of the Collective. He translates the organization’s broad vision into actionable, organized steps for community participation. Rooted in transparency and accountability, Matt ensures the Collective remains a lean, efficient organization.

Nick Swingle brings specialized knowledge and local authority to the River & Roots Collective. As a fellow non-profit founder and recognized leader, Nick understands the unique DNA of the city’s social landscape. He holds a dedicated seat on the board, serving as a strategic advisor who ensures initiatives are perfectly aligned with the actual needs of residents and the existing non-profit ecosystem. Nick’s career has been defined by a commitment to city-wide impact. Having successfully launched his own non-profit ventures, he provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of community development and grassroots organizing. On the board, Nick acts as a critical sounding board, helping the Collective focus on high-impact, sustainable projects. His dedication to social equity ensures the organization remains a local movement at its core, turning vision into reality.